Anime streaming service Crunchyroll, which offers shows such as My Hero Academia and One Piece, announced on Tuesday that it will shut down its ad-supported tier on Dec. 31. Viewers will now have to pay for a subscription if they want to keep streaming shows.

For years, Crunchyroll offered a rotating catalog of episodes, mostly older seasons and select shows, available for free with ads. But recent in-service messages alerted viewers that «Ad-supported streaming ends December 31, 2025.» After that date, anyone wishing to access the service will need a paid plan.

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The existing subscription tiers remain unchanged. The entry-level Fan plan starts at $8 per month, while the Mega Fan ($12) and Ultimate Fan ($16) options add perks such as HD streaming, offline downloads and multi-device support.

The Crunchyroll free option had already been shrinking. Simulcasts and new episodes were removed from the free library as early as 2022, leaving only a minimal selection of titles, which has made some viewers unhappy. For many casual viewers or newcomers, the loss of the free viewing tier removes a low-barrier entry point that helped introduce them to anime.

If you still want to watch anime without paying, several other services continue to offer free, ad-supported streaming:

• Tubi: A large selection of classic and older anime series and movies, all free with ads.
• Pluto TV: Multiple 24/7 anime channels plus some on-demand titles.
• RetroCrush: Specializes in classic and vintage anime; free with ads.
• YouTube: Some studios (like Toei Animation and Gundam’s official channel) release episodes and whole series legally.

Selection varies, and none offer the same breadth of simulcasts and new releases that Crunchyroll provides, but for viewers who aren’t ready to subscribe, these platforms still offer ways to watch anime for free.

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? A couple of the clues are real puzzlers today. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Brief snooze
Answer: NAP

4A clue: With 1-Down, not under any circumstances
Answer: NOWAY

6A clue: Busiest airport in the Midwest
Answer: OHARE

7A clue: Doesn’t take vacation, say
Answer: WORKS

8A clue: Anderson who directed «The Phoenician Scheme»
Answer: WES

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: See 4-Across
Answer: NOHOW

2D clue: Cognizant (of)
Answer: AWARE

3D clue: «___ and Recreation» (2010s sitcom)
Answer: PARKS

4D clue: Right this moment
Answer: NOW

5D clue: «Amen to that!»
Answer: YES

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We’re big fans of wireless headphones, and having active noise cancellation tech is a real bonus. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get it either, with some well‑reviewed noise-canceling headphones available today for just $80. The JBL Tune 770NC normally retail for around $150, so this is a solid 47% discount. But be warned, it won’t last forever.

These headphones are available in three different colors — blue, black and white — so be sure to pick the one you like best before ordering. We really like the blue, but we’ll let you pick — it’s your money after all.

Regardless of color, you’ll get a pair of headphones that support Bluetooth 5.3 and LE audio, ensuring a strong and reliable wireless connection. They even have a mode designed especially for games and videos that reduces latency to keep everything in sync.

JBL offers a free phone app that can be used to configure the EQ just the way you like it. There are also presets available, if you’d rather go that route.

In terms of battery life, you can expect up to 70 hours per charge, while fast charging turns a 5-minute charge into three additional hours of listening time.

Why this deal matters

Whether you’re buying for yourself or as a Christmas gift, these headphones have all the features you’d expect at a fraction of the price you’d normally pay. Just remember: This is a limited‑time deal with no indication of when it will end. Ordering soon is the only way to make sure you don’t miss out and pay more than you need to.